Clarence Davidson

Clarence Davidson, 84, of Newton died Friday, March 7, 2014, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home.  Clarence was born at Des Moines Methodist Hospital on July 4, 1929, to Elbert and Ethel (McKinney) Davidson. He spent his childhood in Carlisle and Newton.

Clarence was a graduate of Newton High School and began employment with The Maytag Company before his graduation. He became a millwright and then a Product Development Technician in Research. He retired from Maytag in 1977 at the age of 47. He served his country as a Marine during the Korean War.

Clarence and Helen L. Johnson were united in marriage on Nov. 11, 1950. They were blessed with two daughters and two grandchildren.

Clarence used his military electronics training in a citizen band repair service in the 1960s and later in satellite and business band systems sales and installation. His main hobby was U-control and later, radio control model airplanes. He was a founding member of the Sky Kings Flying Club and was active in development of the club’s flying field near Metz. He had a love of trains resulting from his Grandfather Davidson’s employment as a Station Master in Hartford. He also enjoyed guns—target shooting, collecting, and smithing. After retirement the destination of many trips involved steam trains or airplanes.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Newton; daughters, Davette Diane Smith and Margene Kastner, both of Newton; and two grandchildren, Nancy Jeanne Smith of Somerville, Mass., and Dylan Kastner of Newton. He was predeceased by his parents and son-in-law, Joe Ehlerman.

To honor his wishes, no services are planned at this time. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Newton Memorial Park Cemetery. A time to remember will be planned by his family in the future. Memorials to the Newton Sky Kings Flying Club may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home in Newton or may be directed to the family. Clarence will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.